Cast: Avinash Tiwary, Kay Kay Menon, Kritika Kamra, Jitin Gulati, Saurabh Sachdeva, Nivedita Bhattacharya, Vivan Bhatena, Aditya Rawal, and ensemble.
Creator: Shujaat Saudagar & Renzil D’Silva.
Director: Shujaat Saudagar
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video.
Language: Hindi (with subtitles).
Runtime: 10 Episodes, Around 50 Minutes Each.
“Bambai Meri Jaan” Review: Unraveling the Bombay Underworld
“Bambai Meri Jaan” is Amazon Prime’s latest offering, and it takes us deep into the heart of Bombay’s tumultuous underworld during the mid-sixties. The series centers around a virtuous police officer who relocates to Bombay with his family, unaware that his second son is on a path to becoming the Kingpin of Bombay’s gangster nexus, which he has fought against his entire life.
Script Analysis:
The series takes inspiration from Hussain Zaidi’s “Dongri To Dubai,” a book that delves into the life of the infamous gangster Dawood Ibrahim. While the story of the D Company and its impact on the city has been explored numerous times, “Bambai Meri Jaan” attempts to stand out by focusing on the father as the central character and having him narrate his life story. This approach is effective in reminding viewers that despite the occasional heroic portrayal of Dara (Avinash), he remains a flawed and morally questionable character.
One of the strengths of “Bambai Meri Jaan” is its ability to create complex, morally ambiguous characters. While Dara may demand respect and appear as a king in his own right, the series also delves into the lives of supporting characters, such as Saddique (Jitin), who has a compelling character arc. This, along with the portrayal of their mother, adds depth to the narrative.
However, the series does suffer from the Gangster Drama Fatigue when it shifts into high gear. The familiar structure and the well-trodden path of the rise of an underprivileged individual into a criminal empire builder make it feel less fresh than intended. Dara’s rapid transformation lacks visual impact, which diminishes the gravity of his ascension to power.
Star Performance:
The casting in “Bambai Meri Jaan” is impressive, with Kay Kay Menon delivering a noteworthy performance as Ismail Qadri. Menon continues to establish himself as a versatile actor and brings life to his character, making every silence and thought in his character’s mind palpable.
Avinash Tiwary, in the role of Dara, stands out despite not fitting the typical physical mold of a gangster. He effectively portrays the character’s transition and complexity. Jitin Gulati shines as Saddique, and Nivedita Bhattacharya impresses as the mother. Kritika Kamra and Saurabh Sachdeva also make their mark in their respective roles.
Direction & Music:
Shujaat Saudagar, known for “Rock On 2,” crafts some compelling moments in “Bambai Meri Jaan.” He captures the nuances of the characters’ lives effectively, creating emotional connections with the audience. However, at times, his direction veers into familiar territory seen in other gangster dramas.
The art design and background score contribute significantly to the series’ atmosphere. While some aspects of the visuals may feel too contemporary for the era depicted, the overall vibe is convincing.
Last Words:
“Bambai Meri Jaan” may have its flaws, but it’s a series that shouldn’t be dismissed. Its unique perspective on the Bombay underworld and the stellar performances by the cast make it worth watching. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers and are willing to overlook some familiar tropes, this series offers a novel take on a well-explored subject.
Bambai Meri Jaan Official Trailer
